2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.6L Diesel · J666 AAM

The most recent MOT, carried out on 9 June 2026, was passed but recorded an advisory that the shock absorber bush on the left‑hand side is slightly worn. Looking back through the last three years the vehicle has moved from a serious rear shock absorber fluid leak that caused a failure in June 2024, through to light oil misting on both front shocks in May 2025, and now to only a minor bush wear advisory. The pattern shows a clear improvement after the 2024 failure, although the recurring shock absorber comments indicate that the suspension is still a wear point that will need monitoring. At 124 471 miles the Golf has logged roughly 11 300 miles per year over its eleven‑year life, which sits squarely within the normal UK usage envelope. There are no obvious mileage gaps that would suggest long periods of storage, so the wear on consumables is consistent with steady, moderate use rather than the accelerated degradation seen on high‑kilometre, low‑age cars. The mileage therefore supports the observed gradual wear on the suspension and tyres rather than any hidden abuse. Prospective buyers should give particular attention to the suspension and tyre condition. Inspect both rear shock absorbers for any sign of oil leakage, bruising or loss of damping, and check the condition of the bushings for play or cracking; a clunk or excessive bounce on a short test‑drive would confirm deterioration. The front‑right tyre was flagged as being close to the legal tread limit and showing inner‑edge wear, which often points to mis‑alignment, worn camber or uneven loading – verify tread depth on all four tyres, look for sidewall cracking, and consider a full alignment and possible tyre replacement. The rear brake pads were noted as thin in 2023; listen for any brake shudder or reduced pedal feel and measure pad thickness, as replacement may be imminent. Also ensure the registration‑plate lamp operates correctly, as it was previously inoperative. Beyond the specific MOT items, the age of the vehicle warrants a thorough calendar‑based inspection. Examine the tyre sidewalls for perishing, especially if the car has spent time standing, and check for any dry‑rot on the rubber. Test the 12 V battery voltage and load, as an eleven‑year‑old battery may be nearing the end of its service life. Inspect brake discs for surface rust or scoring, and verify that calipers move freely without binding. Confirm that coolant, engine oil and transmission fluid have been changed at the recommended intervals, and look for any signs of fluid degradation or leaks around the engine bay and under the vehicle. Finally, a visual survey of the chassis, wheel arches and under‑tray for corrosion, rusted suspension mounts, and the condition of exhaust hangers will help you gauge the overall structural integrity before committing to purchase.